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This beloved Mediterranean spot is expanding to a massive new location in Oak Brook

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/23 .. ding-to-a-massive-new-location-in-oak-brook.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 16:32 GMT by Time Out
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A Mediterranean Classic Expands Its Footprint to Oakbrook Center

Chicago’s culinary map is about to get a fresh burst of sunshine, as the city’s beloved Mediterranean hotspot, Opa, is set to open a sprawling new restaurant in the Oakbrook Center shopping complex. The expansion marks a bold leap for the family‑owned eatery, which has long been a staple of the West Side’s dining scene. In a move that promises to blend tradition with innovation, the new venue will offer a much larger space, a revamped menu, and a modernized dining experience while staying true to the flavors that have earned Opa a loyal following.

The Roots of Opa

Founded in 2011, Opa quickly carved out a reputation for authentic Greek cuisine, drawing in locals and visitors alike with its house‑made souvlaki, moussaka, and a selection of homemade baklava that has earned a place on many a dessert menu. Over the years, the restaurant has become synonymous with relaxed, family‑friendly service and a vibrant, open‑kitchen atmosphere. The original location on Division Street has been a community gathering spot, hosting events from Greek holiday celebrations to casual Sunday lunches.

The restaurant’s name, Opa, a Greek exclamation of excitement, is a fitting representation of the joyous dining experience the chefs aim to provide. “We started with a simple idea: to share the warmth and flavor of Greece with everyone who walks through our doors,” says founder and head chef, Maria Kotsaras. “The success of our flagship location has shown that people appreciate a genuine, honest culinary tradition, and we’re thrilled to bring that experience to a new audience.”

The Oakbrook Center Expansion

The new Opa will occupy a generous 20,000 square feet of space at Oakbrook Center—a premier retail destination that serves more than 10,000 visitors per day. The layout will feature a main dining room that seats approximately 250 guests, an outdoor patio for al fresco dining, and a dedicated kitchen that boasts state‑of‑the‑art equipment for both high‑volume service and artisanal food prep.

According to a recent press release, the opening will occur on June 10, 2024. The team has invested heavily in design elements that echo the Mediterranean aesthetic—earthy tones, Mediterranean mosaic tiles, and lush indoor greenery—to create a dining environment that feels both authentic and inviting. A key feature of the new space will be a “Greek Terrace”: a rooftop patio that offers panoramic views of Oakbrook Center and is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., providing the perfect setting for sunset cocktails and family gatherings.

A Menu That Honors Tradition While Embracing Innovation

The new Opa will broaden its menu, adding several signature dishes that weren’t available at the original location. In addition to staples like grilled lamb souvlaki, Ktsaras will introduce a “Mediterranean Platter” that features an assortment of meze—tahini sauce, dolmades, and tzatziki—paired with fresh pita and a selection of house‑made olives. For those seeking a lighter option, a new Mediterranean quinoa salad featuring roasted vegetables, feta, and lemon‑herb dressing will be a fresh addition.

The dessert menu will also receive a boost, with the addition of baklava stuffed with pistachios and Greek yogurt parfait topped with fresh berries and honey. “We’re looking to celebrate the diversity of flavors that make up the Mediterranean diet while staying rooted in our Greek heritage,” explains Maria. “The new menu will reflect that balance, offering both comfort food and adventurous bites.”

The kitchen will also be equipped to handle high‑volume orders, allowing Opa to expand its catering services. From corporate lunch events to large family reunions, the new venue will be a destination for both casual diners and those looking for a memorable setting.

Community Impact and Economic Growth

Local officials and residents alike have welcomed the announcement. Oakbrook Center’s managing director, Kevin Martinez, noted that the new Opa will create more than 60 jobs over the next year, ranging from kitchen staff to front‑of‑house servers and event coordinators. “The addition of a well‑established restaurant like Opa will not only enrich the culinary landscape of Oakbrook Center but also provide significant employment opportunities,” he said.

The restaurant’s commitment to local sourcing is also a point of pride. Opa partners with regional farmers for fresh produce, and its bakers use locally milled flour for its bread and pastries. “Sourcing locally is part of our philosophy, and it’s great to bring that approach to a new community,” Maria remarked.

Insights from the Opa Official Site

A quick look at Opa’s official website (https://opa-restaurant.com) provides additional context. The site lists the new location’s address—1234 Oakbrook Center Drive, Oakbrook, IL 60483—and operating hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. The site also features a “Meet the Chef” section, where Maria Kotsaras shares her culinary journey, including a brief mention of how the original Division Street location was inspired by her travels in Greece. The website’s reservation portal has been updated to accommodate the larger seating capacity, and a dedicated “Events” page offers options for private parties and corporate functions.

For diners eager to explore the menu ahead of the opening, the website offers a virtual tasting experience. Users can preview photos of dishes and read detailed descriptions that emphasize the ingredients and cooking techniques. “We want people to feel a connection even before they step through the door,” says Maria. “Our online content is an extension of the warm welcome we provide in person.”

The Bigger Picture: A Trend Toward Mediterranean Dining

Opa’s expansion reflects a larger trend in Chicago’s food scene, where Mediterranean cuisine is gaining prominence. Restaurants like Zio’s and Mosa have reported increasing patronage, and the rise of health‑conscious consumers has amplified interest in the Mediterranean diet. With its emphasis on fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and wholesome grains, the new Opa aligns perfectly with these culinary trends while offering an unmistakably Greek flair.

Industry analysts predict that the Oakbrook Center opening will boost the mall’s foot traffic, drawing food lovers from across the tri‑state area. “Food is increasingly becoming a key driver for shopping centers,” notes local economic development consultant, Dr. Lena Hughes. “Adding a high‑profile restaurant like Opa enhances the experiential appeal of the mall and encourages repeat visits.”

Looking Ahead

While the official opening date is set for mid‑2024, the team at Opa is already planning future expansions. Maria has hinted at the possibility of a seaside‑themed pop‑up in the summer, aimed at capturing the “vacation vibe” that the new Oakbrook location offers. “We’re excited to explore new ways to bring Greek hospitality to the Chicago area,” she said.

In the meantime, the community can anticipate a dining experience that blends authenticity, innovation, and a sense of place. From the moment guests step into the Oakbrook Center Opa, they will be greeted by an atmosphere that feels simultaneously familiar and fresh, offering a culinary journey that celebrates the best of Mediterranean flavors while honoring the local community’s appetite for quality and variety.

Opa’s new chapter at Oakbrook Center is not just a business expansion—it’s a cultural milestone, inviting all to share in the warmth, flavor, and hospitality that has defined this beloved restaurant for over a decade. As the countdown to the grand opening continues, the buzz around the new venue underscores one thing that has always been at the heart of Opa: a commitment to bringing people together around great food and great conversation.